Toronto Maple Leafs: Marlies Forward Sleepers Part One

TORONTO, ON - MARCH 12: Jeremy Bracco
TORONTO, ON - MARCH 12: Jeremy Bracco

We all know the Toronto Maple Leafs are in for a monster year, but what about the Marlies?

Fresh off the franchise’s first Calder Cup, the Marlies’ lineup will look noticeably different as next year approaches. With the departures of key contributors all but confirmed, expanded roles are in the cards for those returning.

It’s relatively obvious who stands to benefit the most from these increased responsibilities. Carl Grundstrom, for example, looked positively dynamic the moment he joined the Marlies last season and remains a lock for top-line duty.

What we’re focusing on today, rather, are under the radar players who sit primed to thrive in their newly designated roles.

Here are a few Marlies sleepers who could surprise in 2018-19.

Brady Ferguson

After attending Robert Morris University for four years, Brady Ferguson left the school as its all-time points leader, joining the Marlies on an ATO in late-March. It’s a move which slid under the radar initially, partly due to Pierre Engvall signing on the same day.

Still, Ferguson emerged as the most pro-ready of his fellow ATO signees. Racking up 4 points in 5 games, all assists, Ferguson was particularly effective on the power play. His strong playmaking abilities suited his role off the wall perfectly, where he looked right at home.

The sample size is small, but Ferguson did indeed stand out in his first taste of pro action. Both his skating and decision making looked on par with those around him, landing him in the good graces of Sheldon Keefe from the onset.

This positive first impression was crucial in landing Ferguson an AHL contract, as he eventually signed with the Marlies in June. And if his showing last month at Leafs’ development camp forebodes what’s to come, they’re in for a treat.

An example of Ferguson’s potential came in the form of a scrimmage goal he scored at development camp, seen at the 0:24 mark in the video below.

Streaking to the net, Ferguson receives a pass in the slot, entering into a one-on-one battle with the goaltender. Rather than attempting a one-timer or firing the puck off in panic, he instead opts for patience. Ferguson cradles the puck, allowing the netminder to commit and, in turn, produce an opening on the short side where he then fires it home.

Yes, we’re breaking down a mid-summer development camp goal. This is peak hockey withdrawal. Although, there’s value in this dissection, illustrating why Ferguson may perhaps be an effective AHL rookie. From the moment he entered this organization, Ferguson’s performance has sat at a level above those of his ilk. He’s moving in the right direction.

As it stands now, the Marlies’ lineup leaves few spots for the taking, casting the chances of Ferguson immediately sticking out of camp in a semblance of doubt.

Then again, if any of collegiate signing can weave into the mix, it’s him.

Jeremy Bracco

It’s been a busy summer for Jeremy Bracco.

Aside from adding a Calder Cup ring to his already extensive trophy collection, the kid’s been hypothetically traded on Twitter pretty much every day, along with teammate Andrew Nielsen and a second-round pick.

If Bracco’s still around come training camp, and he will be, big things are expected of the 21-year-old.

It’s easy to forget that his Marlies tenure got off to a decidedly rocky start. Thanks to a Memorial Cup shortened summer, Bracco reported to his first professional training camp in less-than-stellar shape, much to the chagrin of Leafs management. This earned Bracco a seat in the press box for the first 6 games of the season. And upon eventually drawing in, he was confined solely to a fourth line role.

It was a friendship with coach/player hybrid, Rich Clune, that nudged Bracco in the right direction. Under Clune’s watchful eye, his conditioning steadily improved, and with it, so did his ice time.

For long stretches mid-season, Bracco shone as a lone bright spot on the struggling Marlies power play. His phenomenal playmaking ability and on-ice vision transitioned smoothly to the pro ranks, With Bracco demonstrating a knack for finding open teammates regardless of their positioning.

Although he finished the season on a tear, 14 points in 11 games, Bracco found himself scratched for the bulk of the Marlies’ Cup run. Reading this as a detriment to the rookie would be unfair. Bracco was simply the unfortunate victim of a numbers game triggered by the return of Andreas Johnsson and Travis Dermott.

I asked Keefe about Bracco’s inactivity following postseason a practice. His answer spoke volumes:

“If we could ice 13 forwards, he’d be out there”

Enough said.

With promotions on the horizon for a number of Marlies forwards, Bracco will now likely feature heavily on the power play, an opportunity to improve upon his impressive debut, 32 points in 50 games, there for the taking.

In one season, Bracco has already developed a far more effective two-way game than anyone expected of him. If his focus now shifts to improving his shooting – he only scored 6 goals as a rookie – watch out.

Adam Brooks

Like Bracco, the Marlies debut of Adam Brooks endured its fair share of turbulence. Unlike Bracco, however, conditioning wasn’t to blame.

As I wrote in my April feature on the former-Regina Pat, he’s a naturally slow starter.

It took 23 games for Brooks to score his first AHL goal. He was timid, rarely engaging in board battles while exhibiting a noticeable reluctance to hold the puck. With relatively lofty expectations on his shoulders, these growing pains were undoubtedly disappointing, especially when considering Brooks’ 120 points from the year prior paced the entire WHL.

Then, a switch flipped.

Invigorated by a brief audition on the first line, Brooks appeared to finally acquire the confidence he had sought after for months. The Brooks who fans witnessed down the stretch and throughout the playoffs was unrecognizable from the version of the previous 50 games.

Suddenly morphing into a puck hound, Brooks doggedly smothered opponents both along the boards and in open ice, forcing turnovers at a rate unseen from him at the AHL level.

Above all, he just looked comfortable.

The playoffs are where Brooks took a definitive step forward.

Centring the AHL’s best fourth line between Trevor Moore and Mason Marchment, the trio effectively neutralized all who challenged them, creating matchup nightmares for opponents which proved vital to the Marlies’ success.

Brooks was a primary factor in all of this, his play inevitably convincing Keefe to begin handing him more responsibility. As the Calder Cup Finals rolled around, Brooks was taking defensive zone draws with regularity, all while making brief PK cameos as well.

Unlike 2017-18, Brooks is not expected to patrol the fourth line, at least for extended periods. Pointing to the top line minutes he logged with Ben Smith and Chris Mueller as his rookie-year turning point,  Brooks may thrive alongside another veteran winger, perhaps the newly-acquired Adam Cracknell, moving forward.

As a centre, Brooks assumes a position of which his organization lacks depth.

Not only will his progress be monitored closely, but a strong sophomore output could do wonders for his career outlook.

dark. Next. Trade Value Power Ranking

Thanks for reading! Stay tuned for part two.